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Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Sauce

Close-up of a white bowl filled with Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Sauce, topped with melted cheese and parsley.
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Follow this recipe to make a hearty and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken coated in a rich, multi-cheese cream sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese cubes, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For added flavor, sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms or 1/2 cup of diced onion with the chicken.
  • You can substitute Gruyère cheese for some of the cheddar for a nuttier flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream by 1/4 cup.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta-with-creamy-sauce/